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API 512c 500 Series Microphone Preamp

500 Series Microphone Preamplifier
$895.00

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API 512c 500 Series Microphone Preamp
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This article was Written By

Our Product Research Team

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Get That Legendary Console Sound

With the API 512c, you've got the chance to own API's legendary front-end sound — at an unbelievably incredible value. Fitting into API's 500-series modular chassis, the API 512c has nothing but legendary heritage. This microphone preamplifier evolved from the original 1967-era 512 — API's first-ever modular mic pre — and it's brimming with that classic's same sonic character. All in all, you get an API console-level microphone preamplifier in a design that's totally expandable and realistically portable. If you're looking for classic preamp character, then you've found it: the API 512c.

API's famed 512 mic preamp

API's been creating outstanding "modular" outboard gear since the 1960s — and the numbers "512" get to the heart of that heritage. The 512c, in fact, is a directly relative of the original 1967-era 512 — API's first-ever modular microphone preamplifier. When you call the 512c into service, you'll be met by that same, now-legendary sonic character — a sound that was so much a part of the early days of recording. In all, the 512c offers up high headroom, a wide variety of inputs and input access points — all with API quality and famous tone.

500 Series module flexibility

The beauty of the entire API 500 Series is its long-term flexibility and lasting value — especially when you consider that needs change over time. With a range of mounting frame options, the API 512c will be a valuable asset to your ever-changing studio rigs. It's also ruggedly designed with sound you just won't outgrow — crafted to be your sonic partner for year after year after year.

API 512c 500 Series Microphone/Line Preamplifier Features:

  • Mic Preamp with 65dB of gain
  • Front and Back Panel Mic Input Access
  • Line/Instrument Preamp with 50dB of gain
  • Front and Back Panel Line/Instrument Input
  • LED VU meter for monitoring output level
  • 20dB pad switch, applies to mic/line/instrument
  • 48v Phantom switchable power
  • Traditional API fully discrete circuit design
  • Uses the famous API 2520 Op-amp

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Tech Specs

  • Preamp Type: Solid State
  • Number of Channels: 1
  • Frequency Response: 30Hz-20kHz
  • Phantom Power: Yes
  • Analog Inputs: 1 x 1/4"
  • Depth: 7"
  • Weight: 1.41 lbs.
  • Manufacturer Part Number: 512C

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Customer Reviews

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Rated 4.5/5

Hot Shot

Hot preamp. Gets that crispy vocal sound I've been looking for. Yet to test on a kick or a snare, but ya boy 2x on the 512c train. I've got them both teamed up with some RNC 500s for a killer stereo pair for tracking channels.
Music background: MAN I MAKE STUFF
Rated 5/5

Clean

Very clean and bright, perfect for snare drum, bass and guitars.
Music background: Musician and Producer
Rated 5/5

Simply the best

The 512 is the absolute the the best preamp module ever..And believe me I've used them all..but I had a pair of them and I don't remember ever equeing the vocal tracks or anything else I sang into them..they are as clear as light..they sound like you're in the room..but full and present...I am a total believer in API now..I've recorded in London and New York..on Neves and SSL but when I used the API desk with the 512 pres

I was hooked..spend the money..you'll never regret it..dave
Music background: Artist
Rated 5/5

The Classic, Must have Mic Pre

I've been waiting for years to own API Mic Pres. They have not disappointed. If you're reading this review then perhaps you're not familiar with them? They are the king of midrange. Not particularly warm on the bottom, not particularly open on the top, but for mids, this is it. No big stamp on the sound like Neves. Just smooth, punchy midrange. Guitars and drums and rock vocals.
Music background: Producer, Engineer, Musician, Studio Owner
Rated 5/5

Legendary drum sound.

If cash is no object THESE ARE WHAT YOU WANT TO USE ON DRUMS. Get as many as you can. API has it down. Your snares and kick will sound clearer and punchier than you could ever want. Your toms will sound thunderous. Makes mixing so much easier as the sound straight from the pre is excellent. Works good on vocals and guitar too but I find it has sort of a harsh/bright sound on vocals. That's just my opinion though as you will find plenty of people who love it and I'm sure it varies singer to singer.

Pair these with a couple 550s, 560s, and/or 527s and it will be game over.
Music background: Recording Engineer, Live Sound Engineer, Gear Collector

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What Do Our In-house Gear Experts Think?

Ted Hunter

I have a pair of 512c preamps in a lunchbox in my studio that pretty much live on my kick and snare drum, but they also work great on everything I've tried them on...they're forward and punchy, but still very clean. There's a reason that this preamp has been around for over 40 years now with very few changes.
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